Mike Biundo: The “Why” Amongst the Chaos
One of the first things I tend to ask potential candidates and clients of Ascent Strategic is to tell me their “why.” What drives you to want to spend the time and energy it takes to run for office? What makes you want to run in these hyper-political times? What makes you want to serve? If you don’t have a good “why,” your long-term success is less likely. You may win and serve but must have a defined driving purpose to affect real change.
The same applies to political consultants. I have been involved in politics since 1992. I have lived through ten presidential campaigns, and as someone who has more political moments behind me than in front of me, I often find myself evaluating my “why” while also realizing that my purpose is always rooted and can be traced back to the beginning of my journey.
Let’s face it: politics has changed a lot since 1992. We have ditched pay phones, the pager, the Blackberry, the dot matrix printer, printed maps/walk books, the dial-up modem, and AOL. All the modern tools of campaigning have replaced these things, and frankly, they are changing every year. The world has changed, too. We live in a 24/7 news cycle. Our candidates and our companies are being judged on social media every minute of every day. It feels like we change the Speaker of the House weekly; many politicians seem to care more about viral content than they do about actually getting work done, and as a business owner, I often find myself just as worried about getting canceled or stiffed on a payment as I do about winning the next race.
So why? Why keep doing this?
Someone once told me if you can sell, you can make money in almost any business, so why do I keep doing this one?
The “why” goes back to the first moment I met Pat Buchanan at his opening event in Nashua, NH, in 1992. The feeling I got when, at that moment, I knew I was involved in something bigger than myself. It’s the feeling that the people I am helping may go on to make this country a better place. It’s not about the money (though it helps). It’s about a purpose. It’s about the hope that I am making a difference. It’s about affecting change, even if it is incremental and often prolonged.
That’s my “why.” That’s what keeps me going through the losses, the wins, the frustrations, and the chaos that comes with the territory of this business. It’s what drives me to do better. If you don’t know why you’re doing this, like the politicians we consult for, you will never reach the success you would if you did.
Define your “why,” make it your true north, build your company, and remember where you came from, the spark that started it all for you. Surround yourself with people who help you get closer to it daily. Even if that movement is slow, at least you know what you are shooting for.
Indiana Primary Wins
Congratulations to our clients who emerged victorious in the Indiana Primaries on Tuesday night. We were proud to be part of your team and help you on your path to victory.
Indiana is unique to our team, with multiple team members calling it home. Win or lose, we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into the races here. We are proud of our team and candidates for their work; now we’re on to November.
